"Indeed, the whole family loves Nuannuan the most. Chaoxi, you've been so filial, so it goes without saying for Nuannuan!"
Old Mrs. Su smiled brilliantly, "Being neither kin nor kith, she's enjoyed so many good years in our home. If she weren't filial, the people outside would spit her to death with their words!"
A hint of envy flashed through Su Chaoxi's eyes as she asked, "So, what gift has Nuannuan prepared for Grandma?"
Inside, Su Nuannuan cursed Su Chaoxi, but she smiled and said, "Grandma, isn't your birthday coming up? I've prepared a birthday present for you. I'll give it to you on your birthday!"
"So that means, nothing?" Old Mrs. Su frowned, "All that talk about your sister and I thought there was something substantial. Turns out, whether born to you or raised by you, they never truly grow close. Look at your mom, suffering from back pain for days now. Chaoxi, even as an outsider now, is aware of it. And you, at home every day like a blind person, do you even have a conscience?"
Su Nuannuan's face turned red from the scolding.
What's more infuriating was that she noticed even Yang Yingrong's gaze becoming different when looking at her.
In a rush, Su Nuannuan explained, "I've been... busy recently, haven't I? The young master of the Meng Family said he wants to invest in our company. I'm pulling in investments right now!"
"The Meng Family?" Su Chaoxi looked worried, "That man from the Meng Family is notorious for fooling around with women, often impregnating girls and taking no responsibility. You'd better be careful, or you'll end up losing both money and dignity—that would really be..."
Su Nuannuan's face darkened as she retorted, "Do you think everyone's as brainless as you?"
Su Chaoxi stepped back, her face filled with awkward sorrow, "It was wrong of me, the older sister, to meddle too much..."
Su Zhiguo's face also darkened, "Nuannuan, what kind of attitude is that towards your sister?"
"Alright, alright," Su Chaoxi said as if resigned to the situation, "She's still young, after all. It's normal for her age to be a bit rebellious. But Nuannuan, everyone's just looking out for you. You must really take care of yourself."
Su Nuannuan glared at Su Chaoxi.
She clearly caught a fleeting look of delight in Su Chaoxi's eyes.
Behind Su Chaoxi, there must have been a mastermind!
Su Nuannuan quickly caught on and changed her tone, innocently saying, "Sister, you misunderstand. They're all just friends, not like what you're thinking."
"Mm-hmm, I know," Su Chaoxi replied with a face of helplessness, "It's just that you have so many male friends, I'm only looking out for you. Since you know what you're doing, I won't say any more and annoy you."
Su Nuannuan felt like her lungs were about to explode with anger!
This damnable green tea bitch!
"Enough, everyone speak less," Su Zhiguo said impatiently, looking at Su Chaoxi, "Since you've come back, stay for dinner. I also have something for you to do. Come with me."
Su Chaoxi's eyes deepened with a premonition.
Indeed, as soon as they entered the study, Su Zhiguo could no longer hide his intentions.
He said, "I remember you started learning at the Traditional Medicine Clinic since middle school. Help me take care of an elderly person."
Su Zhiguo had been courting a major client recently.
This client was a devoted son, but his mother had been hospitalized.
In her past life, Su Zhiguo had made Su Chaoxi serve this important client's mother.
Su Chaoxi went and tended to her with all her heart as if she were her own grandmother, which endeared her to the elderly lady.
After the old lady was discharged, Su Zhiguo successfully closed a big deal, and Su Chaoxi's usefulness came to an end.
It was only later that Su Chaoxi learned that this elderly lady was a close friend of Old Mrs. Xie of the Xie Family.
Su Chaoxi's face showed surprise, "Elderly person? Is it some relative?"
"It's the CEO of Wanli Group. You know they are a leader in the industry. If we can cooperate with them, we can get on the right track much faster. I need you to care for his mother," revealed Su Zhiguo.
Su Chaoxi laughed, "But Dad, since we're not related by blood, don't you think our actions might appear too purposeful?"
"We have good intentions, and it's okay if our purpose is strong since it's for cooperation, the other party will understand," he replied.
"Is that right," Su Chaoxi murmured, "then why me? Can't Su Nuannuan go?"
Su Zhiguo frowned, "Chaoxi, why do you have to compare everything with Nuannuan now? You didn't use to be like this."
Su Chaoxi's eyes reddened, "Do you think I'm being unreasonable?"
Su Zhiguo was taken aback, he had never been questioned like this before.
Su Chaoxi hung her head, her voice low, "That's right, what does it matter even if I am your biological child? Nuannuan is the one you raised by yourselves, I can understand."
Su Zhiguo's frown deepened, "Su Chaoxi, why are you becoming more and more unreasonable?"
"Then let Su Nuannuan go," Su Chaoxi said with red eyes, yet her smile was brilliant, "after all, no matter how much I do, you always think she's the best."
Su Zhiguo, challenged by her words, found himself at a loss for words.
Su Chaoxi, with her head low, said, "I'll go and call her in for you."
"Chaoxi!" Su Zhiguo called out to her sternly, "Nuannuan can't do this kind of work, you know that, this task is meant for you and you alone."
Su Chaoxi paused, "What's in it for me?"
Su Zhiguo was stunned, "You're asking for a reward for helping your own family company?"
Su Chaoxi gave a bitter laugh, "Haven't I done enough for the company? I sacrificed my marriage for the company, I submitted myself to a man I don't love for you, I've done everything you asked of me over the years, but what have I received in return?"
Her questioning was deafening.
Only then did Su Zhiguo realize, apart from the guilt he felt when Su Chaoxi had just returned, that he seemed to have been only taking from her ever since.
And as for Su Nuannuan.
He had long been accustomed to doting on this daughter in every way, never once remembering that she was but a mistakenly embraced false heiress.
Faced with his biological daughter's every questioning word, a variety of guilt surged in Su Zhiguo's heart.
His expression complex, he said, "Chaoxi, Dad knows you feel wronged, just wait until we get through this busy period, I will... make it up to you properly."
"How do you plan to make it up to me?"
Su Zhiguo choked up a bit, at a loss for an immediate answer.
Su Chaoxi looked at him, asking, "I heard that when Su Nuannuan started her company, you invested millions in her and also gave her additional shares, right?"
Su Zhiguo's face darkened instantly, rejecting without a second thought, "The company's cash flow is tight right now, the shares can't be redistributed anymore!"
"You've misunderstood, I don't need those... Isn't the company's anniversary coming up? I was hoping you could announce then that I am your daughter too, would that be alright?"
To publicly acknowledge that she is his daughter too.
Not to announce: she is his only daughter.
It was nearly a humble request.
Su Zhiguo's face suddenly felt hot.
Su Chaoxi stared at him, the hope in her eyes dimming inch by inch, and she said with disappointment, "Is it that difficult for you?"